r^ 



^SSJ 



NEW MARKET 



OR, 

The Boy Heroes of 1864. 

A Drama in Four Acts 

BY 

/ 

JOHN W. SHERMAN, 

Author of " The Brothers, " "Virginia," ' J >ve, and 

Politics," "A Close Call," "B4 V,^ „ 

" Patriot and Royalist, "/^q,\3<'-^J'^^^'|^^0W,^^:-.^^ 




COF»YRIGHTKl3. 



This play can only be produced upon a royalty to the autlior, Mr. John 
W. Sherman, Lynchburg, Va., or to the publishers. 



PUBLISHED BY 

CALDWElvL & HOI/r, 
STAUNTON, VA, 






57074 



The Daily News Printing Co. Press, 
staunton, virginia. 



THPSC-C06730 



New Market. 



[ First Produced at the Opera House, IvViicliburg, Va., 
February 23, 1893.] 



ORIQINAL CAST". 

Capt. Hugh McDonald John P. P'ord 



Walter Murrell, U. S. A. 
Arthur Kane, C. S. A. 
Percy Taylor .... 

John Davis 

Charlie Williams . . 



Capt. R. E. Craighill 
Cadets | • • J- Esten Shumate 
Y -|yr -J- 1 . . Walter Campbell 
' . John A. Davis 

. P. C. Stevens 



George Beverly, of New York T. E. Connell 

Henry Weaver E. B. Sherman 

Sergeant Heidencrantz, U. S. A A. M. Raikes 

Old Martha J. A. Faulkner 

Louise McDonald Miss Nellie Bell 

Dora McDonald Miss Ellie Goode 

Flora Williams Miss Carrie Peck 



In Acts 2, 3 and 4, Capt. DcDonald becomes a major, C. S. 
A.; Arthur Kane, captain, C. S. A,; Murrell and Beverly, capt- 
ian, U. S. A., and Dora McDonald, Mrs. Arthur Kane. 



New Market. 



'New Market, with a throb, half pain, 
Half pride, we hear the word again; 
With aching heart and clouded eye, 
Recalling those young heroes slain. 
Those boys, whose welcome here we miss, 
Those boys who, with a mother's kiss 
Warm on their lips, rushed forth to die." 



NEW MARKET. 



ACT I. — 1859. 

Scene I. — Murrell's room in Barracks — Table L on which 
is pile of books, bottle, water and glasses; photographs on 
wall, with hooks above to catch black cloth, boxing gloves, 
dumb-bells, etc. — Murrell sitting near table in his shirt sleeves 
smoking — Beverly standing C. — Door R.] 

Murrell: — Certainly I will, old fellow ! I have only one 
invitation left, but it shall be yours. [Takes card out of drawer 
and hands it to Beverly.] By the way, there will be the usual 
number of pretty Virginia girls here. 

Beverly: — Indeed ! Will any of the young ladies we met 
at the White be among the number ? 

Murrell: — All of them ! The Misses McDonald are ex- 
pected to-day. L/ittle Miss Williams is also coming. You 
were somewhat smitten with Miss McDonald, were you not? 
[Laughing.] You need not deny it ! I was myself, old fellow ! 
She is a queen among girls ! 

Beverly: — She is indeed ! But I must go — I will see you 
later — will hear you speak — and expect to see you cover your- 
self with glory. 

Murrell: — Thanks, old fellow ! Come up this evening ! 
[Enter Percy and Charlie R.] 

Murrell: — Glad to see you, boys ! My friend, Mr. Bev- 
erly, of New York, Mr. Williams, Mr. Taylor. 
[Hand shaking.] 

Percy: — Pleased to meet you, Mr. Beverly ! 

Charlie: — I am glad to meet any friend of Murrell's. 

Beverly : — No more so than I am to meet you, gentlemen ! 
I hope to see you again — for the present, good morning ! 
[Exit R.] 

Charlie: — An old friend, Murrell ? 

Murrell: — Not exactly. I first met him at the White last 
summer. He spent several weeks there, and was desperately 
smitten with Miss Louise McDonald. 

Charlie: — [Laughing.] Something of a rival, eh? But 
he had no show while you were there. I suppose that is what 
has attracted him here ? 

Murrell: — Probably; but have the ladies arrived ? 

Charlie: — They are all here ! Captain McDonald, his 
daughters, and Flo — my little sister. I want you to meet her. 



— 6 — 

Murrell, but look out for your buttons. She says every boy at 
the V. M. I. shall give her a button. 

Murrell: — I shall be delighted, and she shall have the 
button ! 

Percy: — Say, Charlie, you have forgotten the other charm- 
ing arrival. 

Charlie: — Who ? 
Percy: — The old darkey ! 

Charlie: — 0\\ yes! Old Martha is here! [Laughing.] 
Arthur's mother and father died when he was a baby, you 
know, and the old woman says she raised him. She told Cap- 
tain McDonald "dat she was gwine to see dat boy 'stinguish 
hisself ef she had to walk," and the Captain brought her along, 
i^/^ra.- — [Outside.] We intend to see it all! All of it ! 
All of it ! 

[Chatter outside.] 
Murrell: — They are coming in here. Shove that bottle 
and glasses in — in — shove it in the drawer Charlie, and [look- 
ing around] take that cloth and cover those pictures. 
Flora: — [Outside.] I know Charlie is in there ! 
Charlie: — Its the whole gang ! 

[Enter Flora, Louise, Arthur Kane and Dora R.] 
Arthur: — They would come in, Murrell ! 
Flora: — And this is the barracks ! 

Murrell: — I am highly honored that my den should re- 
ceive such charming visitors. 

Flora: — What a horrid smell of tobacco ! 
Percy: — I hope she won't locate the bottle ! 

[Charlie introduces Flora to Percy.] 
Murrell: — Miss McDonald, I am delighted to meet you, 
but you must excuse my humble quarters. Miss Dora this is 
indeed a pleasure ! 

Flora: — [Going toward draped picture.] Say, Charlie, 
why are these pictures draped in black ? 

Charlie: — Come 'away from that! They are Murrell's 
dead relatives — mother-in-law — no — no his wife's sister — no 
— they are his dead brothers. [To Murrell.] This is my little 
sister you have heard me talk so much about. Flo, this is my 
best friend, Walter Murrell — the best friend of all the "rats." 
Flora: — Oi all the "rats?" Then Mr. Murrell is not the 
friend of our sex. No friend of a rat can be the friend of a 
woman. [Laughing and giving Murrell her hand.] But Char- 
lie's friends are my friends, Mr. Murrell. You must excuse 
this invasion. I am determined to see everything about the 
grand old V. M. I. Won't you give me a button ? 

Murrell: — [Laughing.] A dozen, if you wish them ! 
Flora: — Thanks! One will do! [Going over to table.] 
Mr. Taylor, what is this ? Come here, Dora ! Here is a pic- 
ture of the class ! [Dora and Arthur go over to table.] There's 
Arthur and there's Mr. Murrell. 



— 7 — 

Murrell: — I am indeed much indebted to you Miss Louise. 
I fail of words to express the pleasure it gives me to meet you 
again. The hours I spent in your society at the White last 
summer will linger in memory as long as life lasts. 

Louise-. — I do not believe a word of it, Mr. Murrell ! Not 
a word of it ! How many of Lexington's pretty girls have you 
been whispering sweet things to. 

Mur^rll : —None ! If you but knew how eagerly I have 
listened to Charlie's home letters to hear from you. 

Louise:— Indeed. \ And were not the mails at your ser- 
vice, too, Mr. Murrell ? 

Murrell: — If I had but thought vou would deign to no- 
tice a letter from me — I would — 

Louise: — Yon would have done nothing of the kind 
Have you see father ? He is here ! He is coming up stairs 
now. ^ 

[Enter Captain McDonald.] 

McD. : — My gracious ! So you are all here. Gad and its 
a hard pull, too. I can't get up these stairs like I could when 
a boy. Ah, Gad ! This is my den ! Old No. 38. Takes me 
back to old times. Is this your room, Arthur? 

Arl/iur:- It is not; but that of one of my best friends- 
William Murrell. You have meet him ! 

McD.: — [Shaking hands with Murrell.] Gad, so I have ! 
Glad to meet you again, my boy. You were at t^e White last 
summer. 

Murrell: — I am pleased to welcome you to your old room ! 
To meet you again. 

McD. : - Ah ! my boy, I spent some lively nights here. 
And don't you know that I never was a "rat." When the 
boys hung me they had a tough customer to handle, I tell you. 
Ha ! ha ! I have a good story to tell you; but not now. Ha ! 
ha ! But girls, I have come to take you out for a drive as a re- 
fresher before to-night's ball. How about that! Or do you 
prefer brass buttons and the uniforms ! 

Flora: — Oh, both! A drive will be glorious. Come 
girls ! Don't forget that button, Mr. Murrell, [to Murrell.] 

Murrell: — I will not ! 

McD: — You must dine with us, young man ! Eh ! 
Louise! No excuses — you must! Come girls! [Starting 
out.] 

Murrell: — [To Louise.] I will walk down with you if 
you have no objection. Would that we could walk through 
life together. 

Z^«/^^: — [Laughing.] Not walk, Mr. Murrell! Surely 
you would not have me zualk through life ! Yes, I will reserve 
at least one waltz for you — if you will be a real good boy. 
[Scene closed in.] 



ScKNE II. — 1st groves — landscape — Martha enters R. 



Martha: — So dis am de place wliar dey make soje boys, 
and I knows dat my young marster is jes de bes one in de lot. 
De Kaine's wuz always de bes. Dat meddle what he got is pure 
gold. I'se gwine to see what dar is 'bout hyar. 
[Enter Davis as sentry Iv.] 

Davis: — Keep off the grass, old woman ! 

Martha: — Who's yer yellen at dat way, young man ? I'se 
a Kaine, I is; and we's got moar grass on de plantashun den 
dar is all 'bout dis town ! I'se gwine ter see what's here spite' n 
all de guns ! 

Davis: — You'll have to keep off the grass ! Go around by 
the path ! 

Martha: — I'se done bin 'round dat way, and now I'se goin 
to see what's hyar ! You can't skeer me wid dat gun ! My 
young marster is a cap'n. 

Davis: — Oh, you are Kaine's old nigger! Well, look 
around! [Exit R.] 

Martha: — Old nigger ! Dat boy wuz badly raised; I don't 
keer who he am — old nigger ! 

[Enter Beverly R.] 

Beverly: — Good morning, old lady ! 

'M.artha: — Howdy do young marster! Now dats a 
gem 'man ! 

Beverly: — You are here with the McDonalds, I under- 
stand ? 

Martha: — Dat I is, but I'se a Kaine ! 

Beverly: — I have a note I wish delivered to Captain Mc- 
Donald. Will you deliver it for me ? 

Martha: — Sartin I will, marster ! 

Beverly: — Here it is [giving her a letter] and here is a 
dollar for you. If he should ask who gave it to you tell him 
Mr. Murrell. 

Martha: — Dat I will, marster ! You's a real gem'man. 

Beverly: — Do not forget now — Mr. Murrell gave it to you 
— Mr. Murrell. 

Martha: — Yes, marster — Mr. Murrell ! Tank you mars- 
ter ! Tank you ! Mr. Murrell ! 

[Martha exit L.] 

Beverly: — Nothing risked, nothing gained. If that note 
don't cause trouble between Murrell, Miss McDonald and 
Kaine the Virginians are not as quick to resent an insult as they 
are said to be, and detection is impossible. Now for the ball. 

[It is intended to have a special drill or some specialty in 
this scene so as to afford the ladies an opportunity to change 
costumes.] 

Scene III. — Room adjoining ball room — Couples prom- 
enading — Music outside — Enter Arthur and Dora. 

Arthur: — You have made me supremely happy, dearest. 



Dora: — Does it really make you happy ? But you cannot 
be happier than I when I have loved you all along. 

Arthur: — How long ? Days or years ? 

Dora: — Since I was a little girl — since the day at school 
when you whipped that boy for making me cry. I have loved 
you all my life ! 

Arthur: — And you will be mine soon, won't you ? 

Dora:—h.Yi\ I not yours now? [Beverly enters.] That 
detestable Beverly is coming. This is his dance. Why did you 
not take more than six. 

Arthur: — I will take all ! 

Dor-a: — It is too late now, thank you. Yes, Mr. Beverly, 
this is your dance ! Will you keep my fan, Mr. Kaine ? [Kxit 
Dora and Beverly.] 

[Enter Captain McD. excitedly.] 
lAcD. : — A moment boy ! Gad ! I want to see you about 
an infernal — gad ! I want to see you at once ! Come outside — 
Arthur: — What is it ? What are you so excited about ? 
M^Z). : — An outrageous letter ! Gad ! An infernal anony- 
mous communication! Come into the next room. I will tell 
you all ! 

[Exit McD. and Arthur. Enter Flora and Percy.] 

Flora: — Now do you really think I am like Charlie ? Do 
you really ? 

Percy: — Yes; but you — you — are — so — pre+ ' y ! 

Flora: — And isn't Charhe pretty? I won't like you a bit, 
Mr. Taylor, if you do not say Charlie is pretty. There now ! 

Percy: — He is certainly a handsome boy — the best look- 
ing of all the " rats." 

Flora : — There it is again — "rats ! " If you say again that 
my brother is a " rat " I will not speak to you. 

Percy: — You would not be so cruel, Miss Flora, when I 
am a " rat," too. He can't help it. 

Flora: — Well, I will forgive you this time if you will give 
me that button — right now ! 

Percy: — You shall have it ! Here is my knife — cut it off. 
[Flora cuts it off.] And wont, you — would I be asking too 
much — give me a lock of your pretty hair ? 

Flora: — I will send it to you. There is the music! I 
dote on dancing ! You know this is my first ball ! 

Percy: — And mine, too; and you know I will never forget 
it! 

[Exit Flora and Percy. Enter Louise and Murrell.] 

^lurrell: — And you wear my flowers! Thanks for that! 

Louise: — They were the prettiest I received. 

Wurrell: — And is that why you selected them — simply 
because they were the prettiest ? 

Louise: — No — no — but — I will not be cross-examined, 
Mr. Murrell. [Looking at her card.] This is our dance, I be- 
lieve. Isn't that tall Lexington girl an outrageous flirt. 



lO — 

Murrell: — Yes, this is our dance — but will you not sit it 
out with me, 

Louise: — If you wish it; but you must behave yourself. 

Murrell: — I do wish it, and would that all the wishes I 
could make in regard to you were granted. 

Louise: — Indeed! Look over your shoulder at the next 
new moon. Do that and all your wishes will be granted, 
[Laughing.] 

Mui^rell: — Why will you trifle with me! Do you not 
know that I leave to-morrow morning for my northern home, 
and before I go I would be supremely happy if one wish — 

Louise: — Is that another wish? Why not take my ad- 
vice ? Do take it ! 

Mun^ell: — What I wish to say to you. Miss McDonald — 
Louise — may I not call you Louise ? — is that there will be no 
happiness in life for me unless a sweet little Virginia girl will 
answer " yes " to a question, 

Louise: — Mr. Murrell, will you get my shawl ? It is quite 
chilly here, 

Murrell: — In a moment — when you have heard me out — 
I am quite warm. 

Louise: — Yes, but you are differently attired. Wasn't 
young Thompson's speech a bore, and so -- 

Murrell : — You cannot stop me ! Will you not answer me 
one question ! I love you ! I love you ! You alone can make 
me happy! Miss McDonald — Louise — can I not at least 
hope ? 

Louise: — Mr. Murrell, if it v^ill afford you any happiness 
to say that I care more for you than anyone I have ever 
known — if you regard that as hope you may hope. 

Mun^ell : — Cannot you love me just a little — just a little ! 

Louise : — I — I — do not ask me now — here ! Will you not 
be content with this, Mr. Murrell, We are both young. Come 
to see me this summer, and at my home ask me that question, 
and I will answer you; but not here. 

Mur7'ell : — I will come ! God bless you ! And may I not 
write ? 

Louise: — You can — you tnust write, if 3^ou love me, 
[Charlie enters,] 

Murrell: — My darling! 

Charlie: — Excuse me old fellow, but this is my dance, I 
believe. Miss Louise ? 

Louise: — It is, and I am ready, Charlie, 
[Enter Arthur excited.] 

Arthur:— Mnrr&W, do you' recognize that — that hand 
writing? [Handing him a letter.] 

Mz^r?"^^^:— [Looking at it.] It is mine ! No! no! From 
whence came this damnable letter ? Tell me who wrote this 
outrageous thing ! 

Arthur: — You did not! I knew you did not! 



— II — 

M.U7'rell:—T>o 3^ou not see, man, that it reflects on the 
woman I love, and don't you see that the villain intimates that 
you, my dearest friend, are concerned in that scandal ! I write 
it ! Could you think that of me ! 

Arthur: — No, but the hand-writing! No friend of mine 
would have written it. 

Murrell : — That gives me an idea ! 

Arthur:— What, Beverly! 

Murrell: — I do not say that, but — 

Arthur: — I say so! The villain! I know you did not 
write it ! 

Murrell : — I swear it ! 

Arthur: — Then some one has to answer for it, and with 
his life. I will insult him right here ! 

Murrell: — I beg of you not to do so here. Leave it to me. 
[Knter Beverly.] 

A rth u r : — No ! No w ! 

Beverly: — Miss McDonald wishes to see you, Mr. Murrell. 

Arthur: — And scoundrel ! I wish to see you. [Slaps him 
in the face with hand holding Dora's fan.] You stepped on 
my foot, sir, and only a villain would have done that! 

Murrell: — Gentlemen! stop for Heaven's sake! The 
ladies are coming. 

[Enter Dora, Louise, Percy, McD. and Charlie.] 

Beverly: — You shall answer for this with your life. 

Louise: — What is the meaning of this exciting controversy? 

Arthur: — Mr. Beverly and I were discussing the compara- 
tive merits of the V. M. I. and West Point. 

Dora: — Oh, Mr. Kaine; you have broken my fan! 

Arthur: — So I have, but it can be more easily mended 
than — did you speak, Murrell ? 

McD. — Have you learned anything, Arthur? 

Arthur: — No, but a few hours will make everything clear. 
[Scene close in.] 



Scene IV. — Same as Second. 

[Enter Martha L half dressed and excited.] 

Martha : — Dars murder 'bout here fur shore ! Dat same 
gem'man, Mr. Murrell, dun tole me dat my young marster wuz 
gwine ter fight wdd a man dat would shoot fur to kill 'em. I 
mus git to dat V. M. G. ball room soon for dey dus. I'se almost 
skeered ter def, too, 'bout deni canons. I'se dun fell ober a 
dozen of dem, but ef all of de sojers uf de V. M. G. wuz tellin 
me ter keep offen de grass I wouldn't do it when my young 
marster wuz in truble. I'se goin ter tell de young marster 
right 'way. Day ain't guine ter kill dat boy while I'se here. 
Who's dat ! Who's dat ! 



12 

[Davis R.] 

Davis: — Hello ! Its the old woman ! 

Martha'. — Ef you lub de young mars ter, for de Lawd's, 
sake, young sojer, sho me wliar de V. M. G. ball room is ? Dey 
is goin ter kill de young marster wid a pistol. 

Davis: — What do you mean ! 

Martha: — Mister Murrell dun tole me dat de young mars- 
ter wuz goin ter fit a juel. 

Davis: — The blazes! Then that's what's the matter with 
Murrell and Kaine. Come on old woman, I'll show you. 
[Exit M. and D.] 



ScKNE V. — Woodland — moonlight — enter Beverly and 
Percy L. 

Beverly: — I regret this affair more than 3'ou, Mr. Taylor — 
not on account of the danger involved, for / shall kill that 
man — but that the insult was uncalled for. I have not the re- 
motest idea of the cause of it. I am a "stranger with no male 
friends here, and I can assure you that I appreciate your assist- 
ance. 

Percy: — I know nothing whatever about the affair. Both 
of the gentlemen are friends of mine, but I could not refuse to 
represent you. I see them coming. 
[Enter Arthur and Murrell R. All parties raise hats and caps.] 

Murrell: — I sincerely hope this affair may yet be arranged, 
gentlemen, without bloodshed. 

Beverly: — I have no doubt of that\ I have been grossly 
insulted and hold you responsible for it, and after I have 
finished with that gentleman I will pay my respects to you ! 

Murrell : — You shall have vour wish I Why not finish me 
first? 

Arthur : — Stop, Murrell ! There is no mistake in this mat- 
ter, and words are useless. Right or wrong, that man shall 
me ! 

Beverly: — I am here to oblige you, sir; and the sooner the 
better. 

Arthur: — [To Murrell.] You have the pistols. 

Murrell : — They are here, but — 

Arthur: — Submit them to Mr. Taylor. 
[Murrell hands pistols to Taylor and he selects one.] 

Percy : — There is no choice of positions. One is as good 
as the other. 

Murrell : — [To Percy. ] Will you measure off the ground? 

Beverly: — [To Percy.] Make the distance as short as pos- 
sible, [Percy walks it off.] 

Percy: — Do I understand it that the gentleman — Mr. 
Kaine — will be satisfied with one shot; or is it to be a duel to 
death ! 



— 13 — 

A rthur: — To death ! 
Beverly. — To death ? 

Murrell'. — And now, gentlemen, take your positions. My 
God, is there no way to stop this useless shedding of blood ! 

[Arthur and Beverly take their positions. Pistols are hand- 
ed them by vSeconds. ] 

Percy. — I will stand here, and after calling 'Are you ready, 
gentlemen?' — no reply being understood in the affirmative — 
will call out 'one,' 'two,' 'three;' 'fire' to beat 'three!' One 
moment ! I am a novice in such affairs. [To Beverly. ] In 
case this duel should result fatally to you, is there any service 
I can render ? 

Beverly: — None ! Yet — take those papers from my pock- 
et. You will find on there the address of my people. [Percy 
takes papers from Beverly's coat and slips them in his pocket.] 
Percy. — Now, gentlemen, are you ready? 
[McD., Louise, Charlie, Dora, Flora and Martha come in L. 
B. E. As they come in Percy calls " one," "two." Beverly's 
pistol is discharged; shot takes effect in Arthur's arm. Martha 
falls on her knees and rocks and moans.] 

McD. : — Darn me ! What's the meaning of this ! 
Dora: — Oh, Arthur, you are wounded! 

Arthur: — Merely a flesh wound — no harm done. [Dora 
binds her handkerchief around his arm. Other girls for the 
moment interested in him.] 

McD. : — Darn me ! I say what means this infernal non- 
sense ? 

Beverly :— It means that I was insulted without cause by 
Arthur Kaine at the instigation of William Murrell. 
Miirrell: — You lie! 

Beverly.— k.n^ doubtless fearing that I would kill the 
young man he has warned you people. I sincerely hope your 
wound is not serious, Mr. Kaine ! 

McD. : — Darn me ! This is a mixed up affair. 
Beverly.— h.s\i the old woman ! Ask her ! 
3/«rr(?/^ :— Scoundrel ! [Starts towards Beverly and is 
caught by Charlie. ] 

McD. :— Here, Martha, stop your groaning and tell us who 
informed you of this duel. 

Martha:— It war Mr. Murrell~Mr. Murrell! 
3Iurrell:—M.y Ood.\ Old woman, look at me— look at 
me ! You know I told you nothing of the kind. 

Martha:— I war Mr. Murrell! He told me it war Mr. 
INIurrell. 

iVcD. :— Darn me ! This looks bad ! And yet it is diffi- 
cult to believe ! 

^;.//;;^;':_And I do not believe it. It is the work of a 
clever rascal. 

Flora:— M\d I do not believe a word of it. Mr. Murrell, 
here is my hand on that. 



— 14 — 

McD. : — Was this trouble caused by that infernal letter? 

Arthur: — It was! 

Major: — And was the handwriting that of this man Bever- 
ly — the man you insulted ? 

Arthur: — It was not ! 

Major: — Then damn me ! He should have shot you ! Did 
you connect him in an}^ way with it ? 

Arthur: — Not directly. The handwriting was — was — 

Major: — That is what we wish to know! 

Murrell: — It was mine ! 

All:—^\\2X\ [Sensation.] 

Murrell: — It was a clever forgery of my handwriting, but 
I swear that I did not write it, and first saw it in the hands of 
Arthur. 

Beverly: — Too thin! Is there anyone here who will be- 
lieve that? 

Arthur: — I do! 

Flora: — And I! 

Major: — It looks black — damnably black. 

Murrell: — Appearances are against me, but I swear by all 
that is dear to me that I did not write the letter. Captain Mc- 
Donald can you believe that I would write such a letter ? Miss 
McDonald — you — do you — . My God ! You are silent ! [To 
Beverly.] Villain! You are at the bottom of this, and the 
truth will yet come out! 

[Curtain.] 



NEW MARKET. 



ACT II. — 1864. 

Scene I. — The cadets of V. M. I. in camp near New Mar- 
ket. They are lyincr about. As the curtain rises they are sing- 
ing "The Bonnie Blue Flag." 

Percy. — When the war is over, Davis, you should join an 
opera company. 

Davis'. — None of your jokes, Percy! I may not possess 
such an exquisite voice as yours, but / hit the target occasion- 
ally, and that counts more in these times. Say, Charlie ? 

Charlie : — What is it, Davis ? 

Davis: — Don't fail to see that Percy is put in the front 
rank when we go into battle — certainly in front of me. It is 
bad enough to be shot from the front by a Yankee, but by a 
friend from the rear — 

Percy: — Pshaw! You are foolish ! I can shoot as well as you 
can sing. Say, Charlie; did you hear about Murrell ? 

Charlie : — No ! What about him ? 

Percy: — I understand he is with Siegel, and is a colonel. 
What do you think of that ? 

Charlie: — That the V. M. I. boys come out at the top in 
anything they go into. 

Percy: — Yes, but Murrell had a hard time of it, poor devil, 
in that trouble with Beverly. Say, did he and Miss Louise 
ever make up ? 

Charlie: — No indeed; but I have always believed that Mur- 
rell was innocent. He was too good a fellow to be guilty of 
such a dirty trick, and besides he was a V. M. I. boy. 

Davis: — They tell me that that fellow, Beverly, is also with 
Siegel. 

Charlie: — I hope he is, and I'll get a shot at him. [To 
Percy.] Old boy, lam near home and shall soon see little Flo 
— that is if — 

Percy: — Oh, we'll get through all right! 

Charlie: — Well, I hope so, but if we don't old boy I want 
you to be a brother to her — I want you to look after her for my 
sake. 

Percy: — Pshaw! The Yanks will melt away before us 
like snow in sunshine. Say, Davis, you boys give us " Dixie." 
[Dixie is sung, and then company orders heard.] 

Charlie: — We are in for the fight, boys ! Fall in ! 
[Company forms and marches out.] 



— i6 — 
Scene II. — The cadets march by to "Dixie." 



Scene hi. — Yard at Major McDonald's home — Set house 
left — As scene is open old Martha comes into yard from gate C. 

Martha: — Miss Flo! Miss Flo! Miss Flo! Dar now. Jes 

as I 'spected. Dat chile dun 'stray'd off sum whar! She seem 

ter forgit entirely dat she's grown young lady. Fus thing she 

know de Yanks will be a carry 'n her off. Miss Flo ! Miss Flo ! 

[Enter Flora L. 1. e.] 

Flora: — Did you call me, Aunt Martha? 

Martha: — Did I call yer ? Yer knows I did ! You hern me! 

Flora: — Yes I did, but why can't you let me get out of 
sight of home for once. The moment I get beyond the fence 
its "Flo! Flo! Flo!" 

Martha: — Its de Yanks, chile ! De Yanks ! 

Flora : — The Yanks ! All I wish is that the Yankees would 
come. Anything but this insufferable quietude. Anything for 
a little excitement ! 

Martha: — Dar now! Sitement! Dat's de way wid you 
young girls. You ain't thinken fur once 'bout the men what's 
fightin' and dyin' fur you. Dar's Miss Dora's husband — my 
young marster off fighten. 

Flora: — And Charlie, too! I worship them! Every Con- 
federate soldier is my lover ! Oh, if I was only a man ! Hep ! 
[Marching.] Hep ! Hep ! The Southern Confedercy step ! 
Wouldn't I make a fine soldier ? 

Martha: — Dat you would tell dey commenced shootin'. 
[Weaver comes through gate C] Dar comes Mr. Weabber! 

Flora: — The old woman ! The coward! With his rheu- 
matic pains ! Staying at home while Charlie is fighting for 
him. I have no patience with that man I 

Weaver: — Mornin', Miss Flo! Hev you heard the news ? 
■ Floj'-a : — What news ? 

Martha'. — Its the Yanks ! I know its the Yanks ! 

Weaver: — The Yanks are coming — thousands of them ! 

Flora: — Well you watch out, old rheumatiz, or they'll 
catch you ! [Exit into the house.] 

'M.artha: — Fore de Lawd ! I mus' go right in and hide dat 
silber. 

[Enter Louise from the house.] 

Louise: — Good morning, Mr. Weaver. Is it true that the 
Yankees are coming ? 

Weaver: — That's what I wuz told b}' Bill Jones. He come 
in from up the road this mornin' and sez thar are thousands of 
them air comin' — Rooshun, Dutchmen, Italeens, Chanamen and 
all sorts — a murderin' lot, what's burnin' houses and stealin' 
everything they kin la}^ thar hands on. 

Louise: — And we are at their mercy ! Not a man on the 
place ! Father and Arthur — both Heaven only knows where ! 



— 17 — 

Aunt Martha, go at once and get all of the silver together, and 
send Tom to the village for a vehicle. Sister cannot remain 
here ! 

[Exit Martha into the house.] 

Weaver: — How's your sister this mornin'. Miss Louise? 

Louise: — She is somewhat better thank you, Mr. Weaver, 
but much disturbed about Arthur. How is your rheumatism ? 

U'^eaver:—li& bin a leetle bit wus sence Monday. I ain't 
hardly bin able ter raise my hands, and both of my legs air 
terribly in pain mos all the time. I am all powerful anxus to 
git able to jine the army. Whar wuz the cap. when you las 
heard from him ? 

Louise:— He was witlj Breckenridge, and wrote that he 
hoped to see us soon, but I fear that he has fallen into the 
hands of the enemy, Arthur was always so — 
[Enter Arthur R. ist e.] 

Arthur: — Arthur was what ? [Enter Flora from house.] 
Dear Louise ! Weaver, old man, how is the Home Guard ? 
Little Flo ! How are you all ? 

Louise: — Oh, Arthur, I am so glad you have come! Sister 
will be so happy ! 

Arthur: — How is my dear wife ? 

Louise: — Much improved in health, but dreadfully anx- 
ious about 3'ou. 

[Enter Martha with apron full of silver — Lets it fall on see- 
ing Arthur.] 

Islariha: — Fore de Lawd ! Dars my boy dun cum back 
agin ! Bar's de young marster ! Glory ! Glory ! 

Arthur: — Yes, mammy, your boy has come home again, 
but I must see my dear wife ! I have only a few minutes to re- 
main here. The Yankees are coming ! Keep an eye on the 
road. Weaver, and don't let them catch me in a trap. 

[As he reaches the door Dora meets him. They embrace 
and go in.] 

Louise: — Aunt Martha, you must prepare some food for 
Arthur. Come into the house Flora. 

Flora: — Don't fear forme Louise. lam going with Mr. 
Weaver to watch for the Yankees. Fall in old rheumatics ! 
Hep ! Hep ! The Southern Confederacy step ! 

[Exit Weaver and Flora R. ist e. Louise goes in house.] 

Martha: — Dese war times is dun completely 'stroyed all 
de genus I ebber had as er cook ! Tain't how you's goin' to 
cook it now, but what you's goin' to get to cook. Coffee ! 
Lawd mussy ! I would jes like to know how it would taste ! 
But I mus git sumthun fur de young marster — de boy what I 
raised ! Dat boy is gwine to hab sumthun ef ebberybody else 
goes hpngr}'. 

Flora: — [Outside.] Do you call yourselves men ! Let me 
loose or I'll bite you ! 



M.artha : — Fore de Lawd ! De Yanks done cotch Miss Flo 
and Mr. Weabber! Whar shall I go? [Starts to run off R 
and is met by Yankees in command of Sergeant Heidencrantz 
with Flora and Weaver. Two men catch Martha.] 

Heiden : — You vas a leetle duy vel ! [To Flora. ] 

Flora: — You are a brute ! Hurrah for the Southern Con- 
federacy ! 

Heiden : — You vas keep guyet, or I vill stop you dis vey, 
[runs his hand across his throat] 

Flora'. — Will you? [Defiantly, with hands behind her.] 
Do so then ! One of our boys is worth a dozen of such misera- 
ble cowards as you ! 

Heiden : — Take hold of dat girl ! She vas dangerous ! 
[Martha rises and steps before him.] 

lAartha: — Don't you dar ter doit! Don't none of you 
Yanks dar to lay de weight of your finger on dat chile. Mars 
Arthur ! Miss Louise ! 

Weaver: — Gentlemen, I am no soldier! I am a poor, law 
abiding citizen — chock full of rheumatism. 

Flora: — A poor coward ! 

[Enter Louise from house. Exit Martha into house. ] 

Louise: — What means this ? The Yankees? [To Heiden.] 
What do you want here ? 

Flora: — They want to murder a few women and children. 
'Rah for the Confederacy ! 

Louise: — Flora ! 

Heiden : — Ve vant dat Rebel spy dat vas seen to coom here ? 

Louise: — There is no Rebel spy here, and surely you sol- 
diers do not war against women and children ? There is the 
gate and I hope you will leave our premises immediately ! 

[Enter Beverly hurriedly.] 

Beverly. — [To sergeant.] Have you treed the spy ? [See- 
ing Louise.] Ah, Miss McDonald ! 

Louise: — Sir! 

Beverly: — Have you forgotten me ? 

Louise: — In that uniform you are a stranger to me, and on 
the errand which brings you here, I detest you ! 

Beverly: — Indeed! Very well! Sergeant, you will take 
four men and search that house. 

Louise :-^ls that a part of your duties as a soldier. Captain 
Beverly! You shall not! [Standing before the door. ] 

Beverly: — As much as I may regret it, Miss McDonald, it 
is my duty to arrest the spy. Stand aside ! Sergeant, you 
will obey my orders ! 

Sergeant: — Feex you bayonets! 

Louise : — Cowards ! Do you wait — can such brutes be 
called soldiers ? 

[Enter Arthur from the house. He shoves Louise aside. 
He is followed by Dora.] 



— 19 — 

Arthur: — Oh, for ten minutes with you alone! Coward 
to threaten women ! 

Beverly: — We meet again, and the tables are turned. Seize 
that man ! 

Arthur: — I am your prisoner; but one moment. You will 
allow me to say a few words to my wife ? 

Beverly: — Certainly; but hurry up. [Aside.] And it will 
be his last good-bye ! 

[Arthur goes up to his wife. She weeps on his shoulder,] 

Flora : — Captain Beverly, you have overlooked one of your 
prisoners ! I am ready to go with your gang of cut throats ! 

Beverly:— h\\\ Little Flora WiUiams! 

Flora: — Miss Williams, if you please! Miss Williams, of 
the Southern Confederacy ! Miss Williams who despises the 
cowardly, contemptable men who war on women ! 

Beverly: — Bah! Sergeant did you arrest this young 
woman ? 

Heiden : — I vas gompelled to do dat. She vas a terreeble 
rebbel. 

Beverly: — [Laughing.] Indeed! Miss Williams, you are 
released on parole ! 

Weaver: — And me Captain ? Me? I am no soldier! A 
poor rheumatic farmer ! 

Beverly: — The greater reason you should be a prisoner. 
Captain Kaine, your time is up ! 

Dora: — Oh, Arthur! Arthur! You will come back to 
me ? 

Arthur: — Be not disturbed, dear! I will soon return! 
Good-bye ! 

[Arthur taken charge of by two soldiers.] 

Beverly: — Watch the prisoner closely. A spy must not be 
allowed to escape. 

[Dora advancing and falling on her knees before Beverly.] 

Dora : — Captain Beverly, by all that is dear to you, I beg 
you to at least parole my husband. 

Arthur: — Kneel not to such a man, dear, and have no 
fears about me ! I will soon be with you again ! 

[Dora faints in Louise arms. Flora crying,] 
[Scene closed in.] 



Scene IV. — Road side — ist grooves — Weaver enters L. 

Weaver: — Well, I am out of it ! But they hev got the Cap. 
and I am afeard its goin' hard with him. Blast the Yankees ! 
I ain't goin' to stand it no longer! I'm goin' in fur war my- 
self! The way they treated Miss Louise, Miss Flora and the 
Cap. has just fired me up head and foot! I am goin' to jine 
the army right away spite' n myrheumatiz! I hope I kin git 
in the cavalry ! I am goin' to start right off and git a gun ! 



20 

[Enter Flora and Martha R. Flora crying.] 
Martha : — Now you's cryin' arter you dun acted as yer 
did ! Don't cry honey ! Dey ain't goin' ter hurt Mars Arthur! 
Here's Mr. Weabber ! 

Flora : — Oh, Mr, Weaver ! You are free ! Where is Cap- 
tain Arthur ? 

Weaver: — The Cap. is with the Yankees, an' I'm afeerd 
he's in a bad mess ! I — I — 

Flora'. — [Indignantly.] And you sneaked off and left him 
with them. You coward ! 

Weaver: — You ain't goin' to call me a coward any more, 
Miss Flo ! I'm goin' to jiue the army right away. All I want 
is jes to lay my hand on a gun. 

Flora: — [Grasping his hands,] That's right! Be a man ! 
You shall have father's gun — but why is Mr. Arthur's case so 
serious ? 

Weaver: — That villain Beverly sez that he found sum 'spic- 
ious papers in the Cap's pocket ! 

Martha: — Darnow! De young marster is in trubble ! I's 
gwine right dar ! 

Weaver: — Them papers wuz giviu' 'way all the Yankees' 
plans. 

Flora: — Hush, here comes Louise! 
[Enter Louise R,] 

Lotcise: — Mr. Weaver ! Then Arthur is free ! 

Weaver: — I'm sorry fur to say, Miss, thet he ain't. He's 
locked up an' awatin' fur General Seigle and Colonel Murrell 
to sot on his case. 

Louise: — Colonel Murrell ? Then he is free ! That is grand 
news! [Weeping,] No! no! And I have caused all this — all 
this. 

Flora:— Is it the V. M. I. Murrell, Louise? Is it Walter 
Murrell ? 

Louise: — Yes, yes; and oh. Flora, you know — you know 
how I treated him. But I will see him — I will go to him at once! 

Martha: — Dar now, you's speakin', honey, and dis nigger 
goes right 'long wid you! Dat'Mr. Murrell ain't gwine ter 
kill nobody. He's a gem'man ! An de Yank what fuses ter let 
my young marster loose is got dis nigger ter kill ! Come right 
'long, honey ! 

Louise: — We will go at once ! Mr. Weaver, will you take 
Flora home ? Go home, dearest ! 

Flora: — Oh, let me go with you! Oh, let me go, Louise ! 

Louise'. — No, you go home and wait for Charlie ! 

Flora '. — Charlie ! Is he coming ? Charlie coming ? 

Louise: — Yes I But ask me-no questions now ! Go home ! 

Flora: — Charlie is coming! Charlie is coming home! 
Come on, Mr, Weaver ! Fall in ! Hep ! Hep ! The South- 
ern Confederacy step ! 

[Exit Flora and Weaver R, ] 



21 

Martha:— Tion't you be 'sturbed chile ! Dat Mr. Murrell 
loves you and he ain't goin' ter hurt de young marster. 

Louise-. — Oh, Auntie ! Don't you know how badly I treated 
him ! Oh, why did he write that letter — and I loved him, 
Auntie ! I loved him ! Oh, it is dreadful ! 

Martha: — Don't cry. Miss Louise! Dat man ain't gwine 
ter hurt de brufFer-in-law of de woman dat he love. Come on 
honey ! [Exit Martha and Louise L.] 



Scene. IV.— Quarters of Colonel Hugh Murrell— The Col- 
onel sitting at table R writing — As scene opens Sergeant 
Heidencrantz enters, salutes, hands paper to Murrell and re- 
ceives one in return. 

Murrell: — Have this sent to General Siegel and lose no 
time. 

Heiden: — Yes, Gonerel; I vill ! 

Murrell: — Stay a moment! Do you know the name of 
the spy mentioned here ? 

Heiden: — I duse not ! I vas dere, but Captain Beverly — 

Murrell: — Beverly ! 

Heiden: — He vas take scharge of de preesoner ! 

Murrell: — Indeed ! Well, you can go ! [Exit Heiden L.] 
Beverly ! That villain follows me everywhere, and here — he 
must have some rascally trick on hand. We are near her home 
— her home ! How I have strived to forget that girl and can- 
not. Yet she believed me to have written that letter. Will the 
truth never come out. But now — now — when I have come 
here as an enemy, I must abandon all hope. She may be — 
may be married for all I know to some Confederate soldier. I 
am completely unnerved. 

[Enter Beverly L.] 

Beverly: — [Saluting.] Good morning, Colonel ! 

Murrell: — Good morning, Captain ! Have you business 
with me ? If not — 

Beverly: — I have no greater desire to visit your quarters. 
Colonel Murrell, than you are to see me. The interests of the 
Union bring me here. 

Murrell:— W^ry well ! You arrested a spy this morning ! 

Beverly:—! did, and that is what I have called to see you 
about. The General, as you are aware, is expecting an attack 
from the Rebels. In this spy's possession were found papers 
giving all the details of our plans. 

Murrell:— Indie^d ! And you have him safe ? 

Beverly:— lender strong guard ! The other officers of the 
court martial regard a sitting as useless under the circumstances, 
and have signed the papers for his immediate execution. They 
only need your signature. 

Murrell:— Ua^nd them to me ! But why this haste? 



22 

[Ivooking at papers.] My God, man ! Do you not know this 
party — Arthur Kaine! [Sits in his chair.] 

Beverly. — I do ! And if there is a man I would like to see 
shot he is the one. 

Mm'rell: — A soldier should be sure he is right in such a 
case. 

Beverly: — Do you hesitate to sign ? What counts friend- 
ship when the man is a spy ? 

Murrell: — Hand me those papers ! 

Beverly: — Here they are! [Murrell takes up his pen.] 
Don't you see there is every detail of our plans — every move- 
ment — list of officers. Sign it quick before his wife can see the 
General. 

Murrell: — His wife ? So he is married ? 

Beverly: — Yes, his wife! An old sweet-heart of yours. 
His wife — Louise McDonald. 

Murrell: — What! She his wife — his v^ife ! I thought it 
was Dora. [Bows his head on the table.] 

Beverly. — Oh, no ! I though myself that he would marry 
Dora, but it seems that the other was his choice — and yours. 
Now you will not refuse to sign. Here ! Sign ! Here ! 

Murrell'. — [Rising.] I will not! 

Beverly: — What ! You refuse ? 

Murrell'. — I do ! And all the more because he married the 
woman I admired. If the camp was filled with spys I would 
see that he had a fair hearing. No honorable soldier would 
commit such an act of spite as you suggest. His case shall be 
considered by a court-martial if my voice counts for anything. 

Beverly. — Very well, Colonel Murrell! You will regret 
this. 

Murrell: — Leave this room ! [Exit Beverly.] So she is 
married. Well, that ends my dream of happiness. But this 
Beverly. That villain ! He or I one must leave this command. 
[Enter Heidencratz, saluting.] 

Heiden: — Dere vas a lady, Goneral, und von old negro 
voman vats vish ter see you. 

Murrell: — It must be Kaine's wife ! I cannot see them ! 
[This aside.] Say to them that I cannot see them — that— but I 
will ! Admit them and withdraw. 

[Enter Louise followed by Martha. Louise /alls on her 
knees before Murrell.] 

Louise: — Colonel Murrell ! I beg of you to save — 

Murrell: — Rise madam ! Do not kneel to me ! I have 
just declined to sign an order for the shooting of your husband 
as a spy. ^ 

Louise: — He is not — 

Murrell: — I beg of you, madam, to make this interview as 
brief as possible. Your husband may not be a spy, but there 
is the most damaging evidence on paper that he is one. 



— 23 — 

Louise: — What evidence is there on paper? Is not his 
word to you — 

Murrell: — As strong with me as was my word with you 
five years ago — as strong, as convincing as that which caused a 
young girl to doubt the truth and honor of the man she — she — 

Louise-.— Lo\edL\ Oh! Walter! Walter I 

Murrell: — Think of your husband, madam ! Old woman 
[to Martha] take your mistress home. 

Louise:— 0\\ ! Walter ! Walter ! 

Islurrell: — I will do my utmost to save your husband's 
life. He was a friend to me in trying times. Be content 
with that and go ! 

Louise. — May Heaven bless you, Walter ! But he is not — 
he is not — 

Mm^rell. — Leave me ! [Martha leads Louise out. Murrell 
distressed. ] So it is as I was told. Yet she still seems to have 
some regard for me. But no I no ! She was half crazed, poor 
woman. I must see the General at once. [Enter Heidencratz.] 
Is General Siegel in his room ? 

Heideu. — He vas not, Gonerel I 

Murrell. — Where is Captain Beverly ? 

Heiden : — He vas gone out vid a squab ter shoot dat spy I 
[Drum beat.] 

Murrell.— WhaX ! My God ! 

Heiden.— li vas sol Dey vas stharting now ! [Exit] 

Murre/L— What shall I do ! What shall I do ! He has 
evidently gotten the General's order, and I have promised his 
wife. Shall I run the risk — endanger myself for her husband ? 
Shall I — shall I — / have promised her and I will save him if 
possible. 

Scene V. — In first grooves — Beverly and squad of men 
with Kaine march by. 



Scene VI. — Woodland — The squad march in. 

Beverly. — Have you [to Arthur] any request to make ? 

Arthur. — None from you, villain ! I recognize your hand 
on this— as I recognized it five years ago at the Institute. 

Beverly. — Bah ! 

Arthur. — Yes; you sought to win Miss McDonald's love, 
and hozu ? By writing a villainous letter — an anonymous letter 
which only a sneaking coward would write. Murrell— 

Beverly. — Murrell ! Murrell signed your death warrant ! 

A7'thur.— Yon lie! [Beverly starts to draw his pistol.] 
Shoot I You will be none the less a murderer ! 

Beverly.— [To private.] Blind-fold the prisoner! [To 
Arthur.] You kneel there ! 

Arthur.— I do not need a bandage over my eyes, and I will 
not kneel. Shoot me as I am. I will stand here so my eyes 



— 24 — 

can rest as long as life lasts on the greatest villain the north has 
produced. 

Beverly. — [To soldiers.] Load ! Ready ! 
[Enter Murrell.] 

^urrell. — Stop this murder ! Put down your guns ! 

Beverly. — What means this — when ! Here is the order for 
the spy's immediate execution, properly signed. Stand aside ! 
Ready ! 

lAurrell. — Show me your order ! Men, put down your 
guns ! 

Beverly. — I decline to do so until this spy is shot. Aim ! 

M-urrell. — [Standing before the guns, j The man who fires 
shoots me ! There is some rascality here ! [Firing heard out- 
side and cries the "Rebs,"] Show me your order ? [to Bever- 
ly.] You will not? You shall ! [He catches hold of Beverly 
and curtain falls on general confusion — company calls and 
heavy firing. On a large stage breastworks should be arranged 
for a charge of the cadets.] 

[Curtain.] 



NEW MARKET. 



ACT III. — 1864. 

Scene I. — Woodland — Enter Arthur sword in hand, and 
Percy with a gun L. 

Arthur.— The Yankees are on the run ! The fight you 
boys made today will live in history. That charge has never 
been surpassed ! 

Perry. — Did you see the charge ? 

Arthur. — At the risk of losing my life ! A Yankee fired at 
me several times and I was unconscious of it as I looked in ad- 
miration at the boys. Grape shot and canister stayed you 
not — right along like a swift mountain torrent you rushed 
through the wheat field and up the hill. Boy after boy went 
down, but there was one stepping in his place. Every boy was 
a hero. Give me your hand, Percy; I am proud of you. The 
Southern Confederacy should be proud of its boy heroes. Was 
Colonel vShipp seriously wounded ? 

Percy. — I am more than happy to say that he was not. If 
the Colonel had gone down the result might have been differ- 
ent. With him we felt as if we were on parade. I do not be- 
lieve there was a boy who had a thought of fear. Here is 
Davis ! 

[Enter Davis L. Shakes hands with Percy and x\rthur.] 
Davis.— 1 escaped without a scratch, but many of the boys 
are lying on the field dead and wounded. 
Percif. — Did you see Charlie ? 

Davis.— YLe was fighting like a hero when I last saw him 
—when we broke their lines. 

[Enter Weaver L.] 
Weaver.— They have done killed the boy ! 
Arthur.— ^h2X boy? 
• Weaver.— Little Charlie WiUiams. 

.4 rM^^r.— What, man ! Charlie Williams killed ? 
Percy. — You can't mean it ! Charlie dead ? 
Weaver.— I wish it wasn't so. I saw him shot with my 
own eyes. 

Arthur.— Where is he ? . , . , 

Weaver.— The boys is got him and bnngm' him along. 
He is nigh onto death," and the doc'r says he can't las' much 
loncrer. He war shot in the breast. I'se seen many sad sights 
in my time, [crying] gentle'm, but that was the saddest sight 
of all. I'm— I'm goin' right in to kill Yanks now. 



— 26 — 

[Exit Weaver L.] 

Percy. — Here the}- come ! Poor fellow! Poor fellow! 

Arthur, — This is war indeed — where even children are not 
spared. God pity his little sister! It will kill her! 

[Four V. M. I. boys enter I^ with Charlie on litter. Percy 
approaches while Arthur stands off holding his hands to his 
face.] 

Percy. — He is asking for his sister. [To Arthur.] He 
wants to see Flora. [Enter Flora with Martha R. 

Arthur. — Hush! Hush! She is here. [He stands be- 
tween her and litter. ] Go back home, little one ! 

Flora. — Have you seen anything of Charlie, Captain Ar- 
thur ? They told me he was coming with the boys. 

Charlie. — That is Flo ! Flo ! I want to see my sister! 

Flora. — He is shot! [Crying] I will — will see him ! 

Martha. — Oh, Lawd! Lawd! Young Marster Charlie. 
[Crying.] Mars Charlie ! 

Charlie. — [Raising himself up. Flora falls on her knees by 
litter. ] Steady, boys ! Steady ! We have theni on the run ! 
'Rah for— [falls back.] 

Flora. — [Bending over him.] They told me you were 
coming home — home Charlie, but not like this. He is dying ! 
Father in Heaven spare my brother — my brother ! 

67z«r/7>.— [Partly rises.] Steady boys! Steady! Fall in ! 
Fall in— [falls back.] 

Percy. — Come with me, Miss Flora ! 

Flora. — [Crying.] Oh, Percy! Percy! 

Martha. — Come wid me, chile ! Oh, Lordy! Lordy! 
[Flora led away by Martha.] 

Arthur. — Move on boys ! 

Flora. — They told me you were coming home — coming 
home. Oh, my brother ! 



Scene II. — Yard of Major McDonald's home — same as sec- 
ond act — Major McD. talking to Louise as Dora comes from 
the house. 

Major. — Gad! I have never witnessed such a grand 
charge. It was glorious ! 

Dora. — Father, are you certain Arthur escaped ? 

Major. — He is as safe as you or I, child. I saw him after 
the battle — after the last Yank had disappeared. 

Z>o?'«.— Thank Heaven for that ! 

Louise. — Yes, and thank your sister and Colonel Murrell, 
or he would have been dead before the battle. 

Major. — Pshaw ! Anyone would think you were a Yankee, 
Louise ! I am surprised to hear a daughter of mine talk in 
such a way about that contemptable scoundrel. 

Louise. — Father, I fear we have wronged that young man ! 



— 27 — 

Major. — The blazes ! I should have broken my cane over 
his head five years ago when he wrote that infernal letter. Is 
it possible that you are still interested in that fellow when your 
sister's lover came near losing his life in that duel. Girl, I do 
not know what to make of you ! 

Louise. — And he saved his life today ! 

Major. — Fiddlesticks ! I wish I had been here when that 
maurauding gang of cut throats dared to search my house. 

Louise. — But it was not Colonel Murrell, father ! ^ 

Major.— Yi2,\\^ Colonel Murrell ! It is enough for me to 
know that he is with that gang. Hang me ! Quite enough ! 
And bear in mind, Louise, I will listen to no such talk from 
ni}^ daughter. 

Dora. — Father, sister is right — Colonel Murrell is a gentle- 
man ! 

Major. — Since when ? Has the v/hole house gone to the 
devil since I left ! Look here, Dora ! Bear in mind, Louise, 
once for all — mark me ! I would sooner see a daughter of mine 
marry the poorest, raggedest Confederate soldier in the ranks 
than the commander-in-chief of all the Federal armies. Blame 
it ! Has my whole household turned into a nest of Yankees ! 
[Enter Weaver through gate C] 

Major. — What's the news, man ? I suppose the Yankees 
are still on the run ! 

Weaver. — That they be. Major! But I've got some terri- 
ble news — some terrible news ! 

Dora. — Has anything happened to Arthur — to Arthur? 

Weaver. — Not that mam, but little Charlie Williams is dead! 

Louise. — Terrible ! 

Dora. — Fearful ! 

Major. — Damnation ! That's Murrell's doings ! 
[Enter Martha excitedly.] 

Martha. — Dey is dun killed de boy ! De Yankees dun 
shot little Mars Charlie ! 

I^ouise. — Where is he ? 

Martha. — Ober at de house ! 

Louise. — I will go there at once — immediately ! 
[Exit Martha and Louise through gate.] 

Major. — Where was the boy shot. Weaver ? 
Weaver. — Right through the breast. 

[Enter Arthur L. Dora rushes into his arms.] 

Arthur. — My wife! My dear wife! I told you I would 
return alive ! ^ 

Dora. — Oh, Arthur! What happiness this is ! 

Major. — [Grasping Arthur's hands.] We have met again, 
my boy — both alive and well, but hang if I have not thought 
more than once as the Yankee minie balls sang by my ears 
that I would not see you again. 

Arthur.— Thanks to an old college mate — an old V. M. I. 
l3oy — a Federal officer — I am not a corpse. 



— 28 — 

Major.— That Murrell ? 

Arthur. — Yes, Murrell! You met liiin at the V. M. I. 

Major. — Yes, confound it! Ivouise still has a weakness for 
that Yankee. What did he do for you ? I hope to gracious 
that you will be able to repa}^ him without sacrifice of pride. 

Arthur. — Could any obligation be greater than the saving 
of a life ? He saved my life. Captured here as a spy some ras- 
cally villain slipped into my pocket papers giving away Federal 
secrets. They were found in my possession. I was sentenced 
to be shot by some drum -head court-martial, and taken out. 

Dora. — My husband! How close to death. 

Arthur. — Beverly commanded the squad. He gave orders 
to "load," " take aim," and in another m.oment I would have 
been a dead man, when — 

Dora. — Oh! [Clutching his arm.] 

A7'thur. — Murrell rushed in. He ordered the men to lower 
their guns. The}^ hesitated. Beverly ordered them to fire, 
and then the noble fellow stepped before the guns and declared 
if they shot they would have to shoot him. Then our men 
charged and I escaped. 

Dora. — May Heaven bless him ! Your preserver ! 

Major. — Hang me! There is some good in that fellow. 
What became of him ? 

Arthur. — The last I saw of him he was in the midst of the 
fight. 

Major. — Well, that's one Yank I hope came out alive, and 
if it wasn't for the killing of Charlie Williams and the other 
brave boys, and the damnable letter he wrote, I w^ould not ob- 
ject io him as a son-in-law. But let's go in, my boy. I know 
you are hungry. 
,, Dora. — Yes, dear! You must need both food and rest. 

Arthur. — Indeed I do! But a moment! They are bring- 
ing a prisoner here. 

[Knter two V. M. I. boys with Heidencrantz L.] 

Dora. — Its the Dutchman who captured you, dear! 

Heiden. — Gonerel Gaptain, ladies und shentleman : I vas 
padly vounded — I vas seek ! I vas sorry I vas here ! 

Arthur. — [Ivaughing.] I suppose you are! You remem- 
ber 3'our visit here and iiow badly you acted ! 
[Enter Martha through gate.] 

Martha.— VoxQ de Lawd ! Dey dun cotch dat Yank ! 

Heiden. — I vas gompelled to coom here, Goneral Gaptain! 
I vas hab no help fur it ! Gaptain Beverly -gis made me do 
dat! " 

Martha, — [Advancing.] You wuz! I spose dat you wuz 
'bliged to res' Miss Flo and dis pusson ! I spose dat you wuz 
'bliged to talk 'bout cuttin' our froats ! 

J/^ytT.— [Sternly.] Now is your chance, Martha! Get 
your carving knife and cut his throat ! 

Martha.— Tiat I will ! I'll git dat sharp knife and cut offen 
his head close to de neck. 



— 29 — 

//etden.— Gonera.\, Captain, shentleman, colored lady: I 
vas haf teen leetle children at mine home. I vas sorr}^ — I vas 
sorry dat I coom here. [Falling on his knees.] 

Major. — Well, we will wait until tomorrow, Martha! 
Sharpen up your knife for tomorrow! Take him along, boys! 
[Exit V. M. I. boys and Heiden out of gate C] 

Dora. — Martha, I wish you would get a lunch for Arthur! 

Martha. — I'se already got it. Miss Dora! I fixed it fur de 
young marster dis mornin', but de Yanks didn't gib him time 
ter eat it. [Exit into the house Dora and Arthur. J 

i]/(r?;'cr.— [Before they go.] I will walk over to Williams' 
home and see if there is anything I can do for them. . 

[Exit L. Enter IvOuise through gate C] 
Louise. — What a sad, eventful Sabbath day this has been ! 
A sister's husband captured as a spy in the morning, and a few 
short hours later a young friend killed in battle. Oh, this war 
— this terrible war — will it never end ? How I have suffered 
today, God alone knows! And Murrell ! How nobly he acted 
and how I have wronged him ! Oh, if he could .only convince 
me that he did not write that letter ! 

[Enter Murrell through gate.] 

Louise. — I am the most miserable woman alive ! 

Murrell. — And I the most wretched of men ! Pardon me, 
Mrs. Kaine! 

Louise. — Arthur's saviour! How can we ever thank you 
enough — ever repay you. But you must leave here at once. 
Do you not know that our men are in possession here. You 
will be captured ! Leave, I pra}' you ! 

Murrell. — If ever}^ blade of grass in this valley was a Con- 
federate soldier I would remain here until I learn why you 
treated me so — condemned me unheard. I know you are the 
wife of another, but I will never see you again. Won't you 
give me. Federal though I am, justice ? 

Louise. — What mean you! I am the wife of no man ! 

Murrell. — Do not trifle with me ! I have come here at the 
risk of my life for the simple satisfaction of hearing you say 
why — wh3% when you pretended to love me, you doubted me 
on the word of a villain and married another. 

Louise. --Th.a.t letter! That letter! Oh Walter, how 
could you have written it ! 

Murrell. — You still believe I wrote it? Such love! 

L o uise. — I — do — not — but — but — 

Murrell. — But what ? You deceived me ! You never 
loved me! Yoii trifled with me and married Arthur Kaine. 

Louise. — You have wronged me ! He is my sisters's hus- 
baojd. Did you not know ? But go ! Go at once ! 

Murrell.— "i^iot married ? Thank God for that! But now, 
now ! Louise — now this war has created a chasm between us 
that can never be bridged. 



— 30 — 

Louise. — Love can do more than that ! Walter, I have 
loved you all along — have waited, hoped that you would prove 
that you did not write that letter about me — about me ! 

Murrell. — I will prove my innocence, and, Louise, when I 
can do so will you — 

Louise. — Not now! Listen: I have just come from a 
home where the darling of the household lies dead — shot down 
this morning by a Federal bullet. Your friend — your friend, 
Charlie Williams ! 

Murrell. — That boy? My God! My cause is indeed 
hopeless, I would rather have lost my right arm than harm 
should have come to that boy, 

Louise. — Go while you can! Go and when this war is 
over — when you can come and convince me that 3'ou did not 
write that cruel letter I — I will be glad to see you. Go ! 

[Enter soldiers and all characters except Martha. Weaver 
attempts to shoot Murrell. His gun is caught by Arthur.] 

Arthur. — Take down your gun. Weaver ! Shoot me rath- 
er than the man who saved my life, 

Murrell. — I am your prisoner ! 

Arthur. — Federal though you are, you are not unwelcome 
at the home of the man whose life you saved. 

Dora. — My husband's preserver! 

Major.— [To Louise,] Isn't that Murrell ? 

Louise. — Yes! He is Colonel Murrell ! 

Major. — I have always said, and I say it now, that no Yan- 
kee can be a friend of mine. But darn me, Colonel, you are too 
good a fellow to be a Yankee, and that letter — confound it ! 
Well, you saved my son-in-law's life. Here is my hand! 

Murrell. — I am an officer in the Federal army. Major! I 
am a prisoner, but I am still loyal to the Union. Five years 
ago you believed me to be the author of an infamous anony- 
mous letter — 

Major. — Hang me, I — 

Murrell. — Hear me' out ! Then you refused to not only 
take my hand, but turned your back on me. Now you offer 
me your hand simply because you imagine that in saving ni}'- 
friend's life I did more than any other Federal officer would 
have done, I did not. W^hen this war ends — when passion 
and prejudice have died away — when you are convinced that I 
am an honorable man, I will be pleased to grasp your hand as 
a friend, but not until then. 

[Curtain.] 



NEW MARKET. 



ACT IV. — 1866. 

Scene I. — Woodland — ist grooves — Enter Percy and Flora 
left — Flora has a basket in her hand — Percy is carrying an 
umbrella. 

Percy. — Yes; I'll have to go tomorrow! 

Flora. — You will come back soon ? 

Fei'cy. — That depends — 

Flora. — Upon what? 

Percy. — Well, you see- -you see, Miss Flora — you see — 

Flora. — See what? 

Percy. — Have I not been a good brother to 3-ou? 

Flora. — You have been very good to me, Percy! You 
have been real sweet to a girl— to a girl who is nothing to you. 

Percy. — You are everything to me ! I told Charlie, Flora — 
told Charlie that I would be a brother to you. 

Flora. — Poor Charlie ! And he thought so much of vou ! 

Percy. — And I ! Oh, Flora, help me out ! You know 
what I want to say — and if you do not wish me to say it you 
stop me — you — 

Flora. — Do you want me to walk around l)y the road and 
not take the short cut ? 

Percy. — Do you — do you love me as a sister. Flora ? 

Flora. — You know I do, Percy ! You know I love you as 
a sister ! And — and you do not seem to be happy over it! 

Percy. — I am not happy, Flora ! I am not satisfied with 
you as a sister. I — I — 

Plora. — You — you do not like me as you did. Is that it, 
Percy ? 

Percy. — I love 5'ou ! There now, it is out ! I love you 
more than that. Flora. Won't you — don't you — won't you — 
can you love me more than that ? 

Flora. — I — I — [blushing and turning her face from him] 
love you just as you wish, Percy ! There now ! 

Percy. — Little sweet-heart, [catching her hands] won't 3'ou 
let me kiss you ? 

Flora. — Yes, when we get out of the road. Not here ! 
Somebody will see us ! You have made me very happy ! How 
could you love such a little ugly country girl ? 

Percy. — I have loved you ever since tlie ball at the V. M. I. 
— since you danced with me — your first ball I 

Plora. — And am I your first love, Perc}^? 

Percy. — My only love ! And you, Flora— 



— 32 — 

Flora. — I have loved you ^iice the night you gave nie that 
button. 

Percy. — Sweetheart! But oh, I have got something won- 
derful to tell 3'ou about the coat from which you cut the button. 
I kept it ! I have it now ! 

Flora. — I will sew the button on it ! 

Percy. — Have you, really, the button ? 

Flora. — You know I kept it ! 

Percy. — Well, I wore that coat when Arthur and Beverly 
fought the duel. Be\-erly gave me some papers from which to 
obtain an address, and in the excitement following did not ask 
for them. Among those papers — I found them last week — was 
a copy of the letter which he said v/as written by Murrell, and 
several sheets of paper showing how he imitated his hand- 
writing. 

Flora. — I am so glad to hear it ! I always said Mr. Mur- 
rell was too good a man to write such a letter. You must tell 
Miss Louise. 

Percy. — I have it with me and will take it there today. 
Suppose we go there now. 

Flora. — By the road ! 

Percy. — Part of the way ! But we will not hurry, will we,' 
dearest ? 

Flora. — No, but — 

Percy. — Oh, I must have that kiss — several of them — sev- 
en of them — one for each year. 

Flora. — You shall have but one, and that w^ill be for the 
button. 

[Exit Percy and Flora R. Enter Murrell L.] 

Murrell. — New Marls- et! How peaceful and happ}^ the 
little village appears. What a change can two years make in 
nature. Would that such a transformation could have taken 
place in my life. Would that I could look as hopeful into the 
future as the farmer who whistles inerril)' behind the plow in 
that field where two years ago the whiz of shells and the whis- 
tle of bullets resounded amid the cries of stricken heroes. In- 
nocent, I have been condemned ! The victim of a scheming 
villain who alone can prove my innocence. I must turn my 
back on my lifer's dream of happiness. I have searched in vain 
for that villain Beverly, and now after seeing the woman I 
love and telling her once more that I am powerless to prove 
that I am guiltless, I must go out of her life — never, never to 
see her again. What have I done that I should suffer so? Ah, 
some one comes this way — an one-armed Confederate soldier ! 
[Enter W^eaver R.] 
Weaver. — Well, I'm nigli home! [Seeing Murrell.] 
Mornin', sir! Soldier lookin' fur the battle field, I reckon? I 
was in that fight ! 

Murrell. — You w^ere ? An old Confederate ? 
Weaver. — That's what I wuz ! Bein you the same ? 



MurrelL~^o\ I was in the Federal army ! 

pVa^'er.— [Extending his hand.] Shake! I ain't got 
nuthin' agin you ef you wuz on t'other side, ef I did lose this 
arm wid old Jubal! The war air over fur me and I've come 
home to work. 

Murrell. — Your sentiments are mine! May I ask vour 
name ? 

Weaver. — Weaver! Corporal Weaver, of the loth Virgin- 
ia ! What may be your name, stranger ? 

Murrell. — Walter Murrell. 

Weaver.— Do say ! Is you Colonel Murrell ? If you is, I 
am powerful glad to see you. Fus on account of the square 
way you acted 'bout Captain Kaine, and second that I hev got 
some good news fur you ! 

Marrell. — Good news ! Man I have heard no good news 
for years — good news and I are strangers. 

Weaver. — Well its jes the message what I got from one of 
the boys in blue who treated you kinder bad. P'raps you hev 
furgotten Captain Beverly ? 

Murrell. — Forgotten him ! I have been searching for him 
for years. 

Weaver. — Well thar ain't no use fur j'ou to search any 
more. He's dead! I wuz with him when he died an' he told 
me to tell you that he did put your name on that death war- 
rant of the Cap's, an' that he slipped the papers in the Cap's 
pocket. 

Murrell. — Thank God for that ! Anything more ? 

Weaver. — He wuz tryin' ter tell me sumthin' 'bout the V. 
M. I. — something 'bout a letter, when he shuffled oif. Is that 
good news, Colonel ? 

Murrell. — It is the grandest news I have ever heard I 
Thank God I can once more face those who believed me dis- 
honorable., Where are you going? 

Weaver. — I'm goin' round to see the old ooman. I ain't 
seed her fur two years. 

Murrell. — Can you meet me at Major McDonald's in a half 
hour? 

Weaver.— Sa.rter\y Colon^W I'll be thar! I want ter see 
them folks anyway. 

Murrell.— [Going.] Don't fail me! 

Weaver. — I ain't goin' to do it. Cap.! I'll be thar! 
[Exit Weaver L and Murrell R.] 



Scene. II. — Home of Arthur Kaine — Interior — Dora sit 
ting in rocker near table C — Doors R and I^ C — As curtain rises 
Martha enters door L C. ] 

Marlha. — Did 30U call me. Miss Dora? 
J)ora. — Yes ! I wish you to send Tom out to the field to 
tell Arthur to come home. Thomp.son wishes to buy tliat cow. 



— 34 — 

Martha. — An' I hopes dat de marster will sell her! 'Dat 
cow ain't no good fur nuffin, and you ain't gwine to ketch dis 
aigger 'temptin' to milk her agin. Ise bruised up mitely whar 
;ihe kicked me las' night* Whar's Miss Louise ? 

Dora. — She has gone to the postoffice! 

Martha. — Ivookin' fur a letter from dat Kunnel! Miss 
Dora, dis darkey bin trubbled mightly de las' A^ear 'bout sum- 
thin ! 

Dora. — What is it, auntie ? 

Martha. — Sumthin' keeps on sayin' to me dat I'se dun 
made a big mistake. Don't make no difference whar I is, its 
aayin' "you dun wrong Kunnel Murrell ! You dun wrong 
hini!" 

Dora. — How could you have wronged him ? 

Martha.— Xt&Q V. M. G., Miss Dora! I'se feard ter tell 
Miss Louise, but I'se almos' sartin' dat de man whar give me 
dat note wuz not de Kunnel ! 

Dora. — Then, auntie, you have terribly wronged him ! 
i Enter Louise R. j Louise, Martha says she was in error in 
uaying that Mr. Murrell gave her that note at the V. M. I. 

Louise.— Oh, Auntie! Auntie! Is it true? Why did you 
'lot speak before? [Enter Major McDonald.] Oh, father! 
Martha says that Colonel Murrell did not give her that note — 
that terrible note ! 

McD. — The blazes! Then nigger, why did you not say so 
i^efore ! Blame it! You have played thunder ! 

Martha. — I wuz feard, marster ! I did not know it till I 
saw de Ktmnel in de tent, and he was'u't the man. 

McD. — Then who — who was it ? 

Martha. — I don't know, marster ! I don't know ! 
[Wringing her hands.] 

McD. — Blast it ! Its just as I said seven years ago. Its a 
mixed up affair. [Enter Arthur. To Arthur.] What do you 
think of this ? Martha says now that Murrell did not write 
that letter ? 

Arthur. — I have known it all along! How that noble fel- 
low has suffered ! Where is he, Louise ? 

Louise. — I do not know — I do not know ! 

Arthur. — Then I shall make it my business to find him ! 
[Exit Martha C] 

Major. — And blame it, if I don't help you! 
[Enter Weaver R.] 

Weaver. — How's you all ? How's you ? I ain't [all shake 
hands with Weaver] got but one arm. Major, but I lOvSt the 
other fur de right while I wuz fittin' with old Jube. Cap, you's 
iookin' as fine as fiddle ! Miss Dora, you's pretty as a picture ! 
Miss Louise, you'll be brighter than a mornin' star when you 
hears whut I'se got to tell I 



— 35 — 

Major.— Glad to see you home, Weaver! 
JVeaver.— Thank you, Major! And I ain't goin' to forget 
in a hurry how kind you all wuz to the old ooman ! 

[Enter Dora and Percy R.] 

IVeaver.—Thar's little Miss Flo! Howdy, Miss Flo! I 
ain't got but one hand, but jes take that— and' you, too, boy ! 
[To Percy.] I'm glad fur to see you all again ! 

J^loi-a.— And I am glad to see you, Mr. Weaver! That one 
arm— that empty sleeve tells a story that you will never be 
ashamed of! 

Major. — Have you young people fixe.d it up yet? [To 
Percy and Flora.] You need not blush, little one, I knew it! 

Louise. — Mr. Weaver, what is the good news you have for 
me? 

Weaver. — It's somethin' to make you smile. Miss Louise! 
Thar's a stranger in town ! 

Louise. — A stranger ! Is it — is it — 
Weaver. — Colonel Walter Murrell ! 

[Louise starts to faint and is caught by Dora.] 

Major. — Murrell here? [To Arthur.] Come my boy! 
We will go out and bring him right here ! This is fortunate ! 

[Enter Martha R.] 

Martha. — He's dun cum ! Mr. Murrell is hyar ! 

[Enter Murrell, Dora and Arthur grasp his hands. 
Louise rushes up to him. The Major offers him his hand.] 

Mm-rell. — Not now, Major! Wait until I can convince 
you that I deserve to take it. 

Major. — Hang it, my boy ! It's all right ! Old Martha — 

Murrell. — Martha ? Has she at last confessed that I did 
not give her the note ! 

Martha. — Dat's what I'se dun, marster I May de Lawd 
forgive me I 

Murrell. — I certainly forgive you, old woman, and all, but 
I am still unable to prove who wrote that letter. 

Percy. — I can do that for you ! On the night when the 
duel was fought you will remember that Beverly gave me some 
papers. They were not returned to him. A few days ago I 
looked at them for the first time, and found among them a 
copy of that letter. 

Murrell. — [Grasping Percy's hands.] You have done me 
a service I can never repay. Louise, [to Louise] do you not 
believe me now ? 

Louise. — I should never have doubted you I 




-36- 

Murrell. — Now, Major, if you be 
ble vstan I will be proud to take 5-our \ 016 103 953 6 

McD. — Both of them, my boy! xaK-e uom oi tnein — ana 
you will not be content with these two, if I am any judge, eh, 
Colonel ? How about two more ? 

Murrell. — If I might hope ! 

McD. — Hope ! She's yours, my boy ! Hang it, the war is 
over I 

Murrell. — Louise ! Seven years ago at the V. M. I. I 
asked you a question. You told me to come to your home and 
you would answer me. Will you ? 

Louise. — I will ! It is " ves.'* 



THK END. 



Uj :>3b^ 



